Epilogue: Home Again

AN: Yes…this will be the last chapter of this story. But cheer up…I've already got another idea.

To make a long story short and spare any squeamish readers unnecessary mushiness, Serena found her parents and Sammy at the police station. Needless to say, her appearance caused quite a stir. Her parents had her enveloped in a back-breaking hug, and were crying like crazy. Of course, Serena wasn't dry-eyed, either. However, they did eventually notice the blood, and the blonde was forced to spin a story about how a homicidal maniac had broken in and attacked her. She'd run away through a hidden door, but tripped over the body of one of his victims. Terrified, she'd run even further, and the killer had burned the house down, destroying all the evidence. Serena had been too afraid to come forward until now, due to the emotional stress of what she'd been through.

The blonde told this story with so many tears and sobs and with such sincerity that everyone believed her, and the lie detector didn't even catch her in her lie. Renee eventually told her father the real story, as he was aware of what really went on when odd things happened, and he discreetly supported Serena's story in all the ways he could. Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino were so horrified by the traumatic experience their daughter had gone through that they spent several weeks doting on her and waiting on her hand and foot. Serena couldn't necessarily deny that she enjoyed the attention, but she wished that they would get a clue and realize what she really wanted. However, she didn't know how to ask.

Eventually, after several more weeks of cosseting their daughter, the two very relieved and emotionally overwrought parents settled, and began discussing the ways they could help the emotional scars to fade.

"Ken, I think we should take her somewhere that has no bad memories, a place where she always felt loved and safe," Ilene Tsukino told her husband.

"Honey, she knows that she's loved."

"I know, but I honestly am beginning to think that she left the love of her life back in Seattle. I know she has a wonderful friend in Renee Woods, but all of her closest friends are in Seattle. Maybe with their help, her wounds will heal faster and less painfully." Ilene had noticed her daughter's sadness, and had comforted her daughter when she awoke screaming from nightmares.

"Honey, I don't know if we can afford it."

"Ken, it's for your daughter's mental and emotional health. We need to do everything we can that could help her move past this."

Ken Tsukino nodded his head, knowing his wife spoke the truth. They'd both stayed up nights holding Serena, who woke up sobbing and screaming from nightmares every night. She'd told them what had happened, and it appeared that while she hadn't been harmed physically, it had been a strain for her emotionally and mentally. Ken Tsukino was a kind and loving man. He adored his wife and children; they were his whole world and meant everything to him. Therefore, he soon announced that they were moving back to Seattle.

This piece of news was greeted by a whoop from Sammy, and moment of silence from Serena as she processed what had just been said. Once it sank in, she gave a squeal and dove into both her parents' laps, wrapping them in a suffocating hug. After that, she called up Seiya and joyfully told him the news. Seiya in turn passed it on to Taiki and Yaten. Taiki and Yaten passed it on to Amy and Mina, who passed it on to the other Inner, who passed it one to the Outers. Need this humble author say that the welcome-home gathering had quite the turnout?

In the end, Serena returned to Seattle and her friends, and to the love of her life. Once Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino were gone, there was quite a smooch-fest, much to the displeasure of the Outers. They'd accepted the Starlights, but none of them were too crazy about getting a visual of how much their Princess and Seiya loved each other. Their growing nausea was not helped by the fact that Amy and Taiki, as well and Mina and Yaten quickly began their own smooch-fests soon after. Rae and Lita just sighed, and tried not to look for too long.

Later that night, Seiya and Serena were alone, snuggling beneath the stars.

"I missed moments like these when you were gone," Seiya said softly.

"So did I," the blonde sighed.

"That was bad, but those hours in the tunnel, after I found you…those were the worst. I couldn't think about anything but how I wouldn't hear your laugh or your voice again, or see you smiling up at me…"

"Don't think about that. That's in the past. All we have here is the now and forever."

"You're right. But you really had me scared for a moment."

"Sorry. I kind of got lost. Selene sent me off early enough that I should have gotten back in time, but she forgot to send me with a map. Of course, I daresay that even if I'd had a map, I would've read it upside down…" she giggled, and snuggled into Seiya's chest.

The dark-haired boy chuckled, and wrapped his arms around his greatest treasure.

"Seiya?"

"Hmm?"

"You know I love you, right?"

"I do. Do you know I love you?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Do you know how much?"

"More than the stars, sun, and life itself?"

"Yes, and I'll always feel that way…now and forever." Softly, Seiya rested his lips against those of his blonde goddess, and the two basked in the light of the love they shared.

The End

AN: I know, that last bit was sooooo corny!